NOTE: The application period has now closed. Only Priority Placement Program participant applications will be added to the candidate pool.

The Operations Section of King County’s Solid Waste Division (SWD) is inviting applications for two (2) Career Service (i.e. regular) Heavy Equipment Operator. If you are a Heavy Equipment Operator who has experience operating heavy equipment with spreading, loading, compacting and digging in an efficient, productive and safe manner, this is your dream job! (SWD will be considering applicants who currently do not hold a Class A or Class B CDL but who are willing/able to obtain it within 6 months after hire.)

This posting may be used to create a list of candidates for any potential vacancies in similar positions within the next 6 months.

About the Role:
This role is responsible for the safe operation of heavy equipment at the Cedar Hills Landfill and possibly other King County Solid Waste facilities. It also involves performing safety procedures with heavy equipment, identifying on-site hazards, and responding to safety situations, accidents, emergencies, and hazardous spills. Additionally, the role includes monitoring, controlling, and directing job site activities, managing truck dumping, and directing customers. While you may get opportunities to work overtime and earn more wages, the working conditions for this union-represented job allow you to prioritize your life after work.

About the Team:
This is a very dynamic working environment that demands high energy and diversified experience with an emphasis on “TEAM”. You’ll join experts committed to excellence, guided by a supportive supervisor to advance your career. You will work both independently and as part of a team so expect to communicate a great deal while applying your interpersonal skills.

Commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing:
• Operate a large dozer D-9 or similar in grading, excavating and back-filling.
• Operate a refuse compactor at the County landfill site.
• Operate a push/pull scraper of twenty-five yards covering compacted solid waste and excavating and moving soil.
• Operate other equipment such as sweepers, slope mowers, cranes, front-end loaders and graders.
• Apply knowledge of driving laws and proper use of equipment, road building materials, basic survey principles, construction safety principles, and environmental regulations related to landfill work.
• Respond to on-site accidents, emergencies, and hazardous spills to assess immediate concerns and possible equipment use
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications You Bring:
• Minimum of two (2) years of demonstrated experience safely operating heavy equipment such as:
o Large Dozer D-9
o Back-Hoe
o Push/Pull Scraper
o Refuse Compactor
o Sweepers
o Slope Mowers
o Front-end Loaders
o Graders
• Basic skills using a Personal Computer and modern technologies (i.e. software applications, laptops, smartphones, etc.) for timesheet entry, email communication, virtual training and meetings (Note: You may be tested on this skill.)
• Demonstrated ability to identify potential on-site hazards
• Ability to respond to on-site safety situations
• Ability to work in a team and independently
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills

Physical Requirements:
Incumbent must be able to work on heavy equipment and machinery on uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain.

Workplace Exposures:
Incumbent must be able to work in heat/cold, wet/humid, inclement weather and other adverse conditions such as odor, high volume noise, dust and heavy traffic with exposures to chemicals and viral contaminants present at landfills.

Competencies You Bring:
• Situational Adaptability – Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Values Differences – Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Instills Trust – Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Plans and Aligns – Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Interpersonal Savvy – Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.

Required Licenses/Certifications:
• Valid Washington State Driver's License upon hire
• Valid Washington State Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License upon hire (CDL) with current Medical Card upon hire OR the ability to obtain such License within six (6) months after hire. (Note: You may be asked to provide proof.)
• Current Washington State Department of Transportation Medical Card

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:
• Experience in landfill construction and maintenance

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: The work associated with this position will be located: Cedar Hills Landfill, 16645 228th Avenue SE, Maple Valley, WA.
• Work Schedule: This position is covered under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is overtime eligible. This position's shifts/work schedule may vary depending on shift bids and operational needs. Scheduled work shifts include 5/8, 4/10, and 7/10.
• Union Representation: This position is represented by International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302.

Application and Selection Process: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives, and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in a (same day) skills test and panel interview.

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.


For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Jemima.McMahon@kingcounty.gov.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.